Yahoo Sports The Observer’s 2024 Mecklenburg County boys’ public high school basketball preview
Here is The Observer’s look at boys’ high school basketball in Mecklenburg County schools ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Teams to watch
Ardrey Kell: Coach Mike Craft has made a career out of getting the most out of his teams’ talents. This season, Ardrey Kell returns three starters from a 20-win squad a year ago, including senior point guard Brett Freeman (15.8 ppg), junior guard Matthew Craft (5.5 ppg) and senior center Owen Wacker (4.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg). The Knights should also get help from senior forward Bryceton Thomas (5.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and sophomore Braden Suggs, (J.V. star last year). No one will be surprised to see Ardrey Kell right in the thick of the SoMeck 4A conference title race in February.
Butler: The Bulldogs return four starters from a team (20-9) that had their best record since the 2018-19 season. This year, Butler returns its entire backcourt in seniors Terrance Badio (7.2 ppg), DeQuadre Currence (6.3 ppg, 4.8 apg) and Caleb Milligan (7.2 ppg) to go with 6-foot-6 senior forward Reece Starnes (8.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg) inside. Butler has experience to contend for a Southwestern 4A conference (SW4A) title and more into the postseason.
Charlotte Catholic: The Cougars return only two starters in 6-foot-8 forward Chris Eagan (15 ppg, 9 rpg, American University commit) and junior point guard Noah Noch (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg). However, Charlotte Catholic will benefit from two transfers in King Rhodes (15.7 ppg, Crest transfer) and Jack Siegel (11.8 ppg, Providence), who will both provide offensive firepower. Coach Mike King and company have the experience and talent to contend for the Southwestern 4A conference title.
Corvian Charter: The Cardinals have quickly become one of the most successful programs in the county, going 27-4 last season, advancing all the way to the 1A state championship game. The core of that team is back with four starters returning including senior Andre Jackson (9 ppg, 6 apg) and sophomore Ricky Moore, Jr. (15 ppg) in the backcourt with seniors Malachi McCutcheon (9 ppg) and Doug Quarles III (12 ppg, 10.4 rpg) in the frontcourt. Corvian Charter needs no motivation after losing to Wilson Prep by just two points in the state title game. The Cardinals want nothing less than a chance to win it all again.
East Mecklenburg: The Eagles return four starters from a team that was up and down at 13-14 a year ago. East Mecklenburg is led by the senior backcourt trio of Ahmari Hicks (16 ppg), Vance Johnson (6.4 ppg) and Derrick Rupert (4.2 ppg). Six-foot, eight-inch forward Jordan Buzzard (10 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2 bpg) will also play a big role inside. The Eagles not only have the offensive firepower, but also have “a defensive mindset,” according to Coach Jason Buzzard, to make a run at the SW4A title.
Julius Chambers: The Cougars return two of the top 100 juniors in the country in 6-foot-6 guard/forwards Tarris Bouie (14.9 ppg) and Markus Kerr (13.4 ppg), who are both equally as effective on both sides of the floor. The Chambers backcourt also has junior point guard Malik McColter (4.7 ppg, 2.9 apg) and Cameron Thompson back. Julius Chambers has had six 20-plus win seasons and been three straight, 4A state quarterfinals. This season, Bouie, Kerr and company are eager to prove they can win the Queen City Athletic conference and be a legitimate, 4A state championship contender.
North Mecklenburg: The Vikings have been one of the best teams in the state the last three years, averaging 29 wins per season in that span. This year, the defending 4A state champions return three starters, headlined by an elite backcourt with all-state senior Chadlyn Traylor (13.5 ppg, College of Charleston commit) and junior Ashton Pierce (four-star recruit). The Vikings will also look to junior forward Exzavier Young, and seniors Carson Evans and Greg Murray to play key roles. North Mecklenburg has the pieces to make another run at a state title, but must find consistent production inside to prove they are legitimate contender to repeat.
South Mecklenburg: The Sabres made one of the state’s biggest improvements last year winning 21 games after just eight victories in the 2022-23 season. This year, coach Chris McDonald will lean on 6-foot-5 junior Ben Haupt (8.3 ppg) and senior forward Myles Howard (7.3 ppg, 5 rpg). 6-foot-5 junior guard Jim Gatehouse (4.8 ppg) will also play a key role. South Mecklenburg believes it can keep their momentum going in the right direction and win the SoMeck4A conference title this season.
Players to watch
Tarris Bouie, Julius Chambers, Jr.: The 6-foot-6 junior (14.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.7 spg) can do it all for the Cougars.
Jordan Buzzard, East Mecklenburg, Jr.: The 6-foot-8 junior (10 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2 bpg) is a versatile player on both ends of the floor for the Eagles.
Chris Eagan, Charlotte Catholic, Sr.: The 6-foot-8 senior, American University commit (15 ppg, 9 rpg) is a force inside for the Cougars.
Brett Freeman, Ardrey Kell, Sr.: The 6-foot-4 senior point guard is a playmaker on and off the ball averaging 15.8 points per game, while shooting 37 percent from the three-point line as a junior.
Aidan Gatewood, Sugar Creek Charter, Sr.: The 6-foot-2 senior (15 ppg) gives the Wildcats a strong one-two punch in the backcourt with classmate, Terry Watson (13 ppg).
Ahmari Hicks, East Mecklenburg, Sr.: The 6-foot-2 senior led the Eagles averaging 16 points per game as a junior.
Josh Hines, Myers Park, Jr.: The 6-foot-2 junior (3.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg) will play a key role as Myers Park reloads with a new coach and entirely new starting lineup this season.
Ben Houpt, South Mecklenburg, Jr.: The 6-foot-5 junior (8.3 ppg, 3 apg, 2.7 rpg) will now play a lead role in the Sabres’ offensive attack.
Markus Kerr, Julius Chambers, Jr.: The 6-foot-6 junior (13.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2 spg) pairs with Bouie to give Chambers two of the area’s most versatile offensive and defensive playmakers.
Dermot Lowry, Community School of Davidson, Sr.: The 6-foot-4 senior, Catawba College commit, back to lead the Spartans after averaging 20 points per game as a junior.
Ricky Moore, Corvian Charter, So.: The 6-foot-5 sophomore, all-conference guard had a breakout freshman season, averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game.
Ashton Pierce, North Mecklenburg, Jr.: The 6-foot-3, all-conference, all-District junior is a four-star recruit.
Reece Starnes, Butler, Sr.: The 6-foot-6 senior (8.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg) gives the Bulldogs an all-Southwestern 4A conference option on the inside.
Chadlyn Traylor, North Mecklenburg, Sr.: The 6-foot-3, all-state senior, College of Charleston commit (13.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.7 spg) will have the ball in his hands a lot for the Vikings.
Players on the rise
Josh Brown, Garinger, Jr.: The 6-foot-4 junior forward is the leading returning scorer (8.9) and rebounder (7.0) for the Wildcats.
Michael Brown, Hopewell, Sr.: The 5-foot-11 senior point guard will play a big role in a backcourt loaded with potential, including junior Trey Gatlin and senior transfers Ka’Mari Cooke (Julius Chambers transfer) and Arael Jones (Northside Christian transfer).
Blake Desautels, Hough, Sr.: The 6-foot-3 senior guard (13 ppg) part of strong, Hough backcourt with classmates in Evan Otto (9 ppg) and Concord High transfers Jadah Freeman (8.4 ppg) and Judah Freeman (12.7 ppg).
Aurek Fenn, Palisades, Sr.: The 6-foot-9 senior center gives the Pumas size on both sides of the floor.
Caleb Gaither, Providence, Jr.: The 6-foot-3 junior point guard (9.4 ppg, 3.7 apg) part of a Panthers team on the rise with senior guards Latimer Taylor (8.6 ppg) and Evan Wisotsky (5.1 ppg).
Raymond Hector, Harding, Sr.: The 5-foot-10 senior point guard one of two returning starters with 6-foot-3 sophomore forward Decarlos Brown.
Kaleb Jasper, Independence, Sr.: The 5-foot-11 senior point guard (5.8 ppg, 2.4 apg) is the lone returning starter for the Patriots.
Chris Johnson, Mallard Creek, Sr.: The 6-foot-4 senior (3.1 ppg, 3.1 apg) will play a big role as the Mavericks only returning starter this season.
Collin McConneyhead, Lake Norman Charter, So.: The 5-foot-10 sophomore (10 ppg) part of an experienced Knights’ backcourt with seniors Major Leak (5 ppg), Jay Morgan and Braden Wilkie (9 ppg).
Jermaine Moncrieffe, Queens Grant, Sr.: The 6-foot-3 senior (7.9 ppg) is the leading returning scorer on a Queens Grant team that will be much improved under new coach Joe Badgett.
Josiah Pratt, West Mecklenburg, Jr.: The 6-foot-5 junior (8 ppg, 11 rpg, 4 bpg) is the reigning Queen City Athletic conference defensive player of the year.
Jayden Ross, Rocky River, Sr.: The 6-foot-2 senior is the leading returning scorer (12 ppg) for the Ravens, has offers from Dean College, Fayetteville Tech, according to Rocky River coach, Donald Kirby.
King Rhodes, Charlotte Catholic, Jr.: The 6-foot-3 junior (15.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg), Crest High transfer should provide offense, along with Providence transfer, junior Jack Siegel (11.8 ppg), for the Cougars.
Preseason all-county team
▪ Tarris Bouie, Julius Chambers, 6-6, Jr.
▪ Jordan Buzzard, East Mecklenburg, 6-8, Jr.
▪ Chris Eagan, Charlotte Catholic, 6-8, Sr.
▪ Brett Freeman, Ardrey Kell, 6-4, Sr.
▪ Ahmari Hicks, East Mecklenburg, 6-2, Sr.
▪ Ben Houpt, South Mecklenburg, 6-5, Jr.
▪ Markus Kerr, Julius Chambers, 6-6, Jr.
▪ Dermot Lowry, Community School of Davidson, 6-4, Sr.
▪ Ricky Moore, Jr., Corvian Charter, 6-5, So.
▪ Ashton Pierce, North Mecklenburg, 6-3, Jr.
▪ Reece Starnes, Butler, 6-6, Sr.
▪ Chadlyn Traylor, North Mecklenburg, 6-3, Sr.
Preseason player of the year: Chadlyn Traylor, North Mecklenburg, 6-3, Sr., PG
Notes
▪ Community School of Davidson senior guard Dermot Lowry committed to Catawba College, to become the first Spartans’ boys basketball player ever to commit to a four-year college.
▪ Corvian Charter guard Ricky Moore, Jr. is the son of former University of Connecticut standout Ricky Moore (Sr.).
▪ Former Queens University assistant coach and Carmel Christian Middle School Athletic Director Chris Caputi takes over as basketball coach at brand, new, Ballantyne Ridge High.
▪ Former Carmel Christian coach Joe Badgett is now the head coach at Queens Grant. Badgett has 383 career victories.
▪ Charlotte Catholic basketball coach Mike King is 13 wins from earning his 300th career victory, as he enters his 17th year as the Cougars’ head coach.
Conference predictions
Catawba Shores’ 1A/2A Conference
Corvian Charter; 2. Lincoln Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Community School of Davidson; 5. Bradford Prep; 6. Christ the King; 7. Mountain Island Charter; 8. Langtree Charter.
Metro 7, 1A Conference
Sugar Creek Charter; 2. Carolina International; 3. Queens Grant; 4. Piedmont Charter; 5. Valor Prep; 6. Jackson Day.
Queen City Athletic 3A/4A Conference
Julius Chambers; 2. North Mecklenburg; 3. Hopewell; 4. Mallard Creek; 5. West Charlotte; 6. Hough; 7. West Mecklenburg; 8. Harding.
SoMeck 4A Conference
South Mecklenburg; 2. Ardrey Kell; 3. Myers Park; 4. Palisades; 5. Olympic; 6. Berry; 7. Ballantyne Ridge.
South Piedmont 3A Conference
Jay M. Robinson; 2. Carson; 3. Central Cabarrus; 4. Concord; 5. Northwest Cabarrus; 6. West Rowan; 7. Lake Norman Charter; 8. East Rowan; 9. South Rowan.
Southwestern 4A Conference
Charlotte Catholic; 2. East Mecklenburg; 3. Butler; 4. Independence; 5. Providence; 6. Rocky River; 7. Garinger.
